News Release

Have a Safe 4th of July!

As we approach the Independence Day holiday fireworks tents are starting to appear in town. The Lee’s Summit Fire Department wants to remind citizens and guests that even though City-approved fireworks may be purchased at one of the 20 licensed fireworks tents in the City, they can only be discharged on July 2nd and 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and July 4th from 10:00 a.m. to midnight. Anyone discharging fireworks in the City of Lee’s Summit on those days must have a City of Lee’s Summit Fireworks Permit. Permits are available at no charge at any of the fireworks tents in the City and at City Hall. A permit is required even if approved fireworks are purchased outside of the City.

Located on the back of the permit are the requirements for the discharge of approved fireworks in the city. They are summarized as follows:

The possession, storage, handling and use of certain Division 1.4G fireworks shall be permitted within the corporate limits of the City, provided such fireworks comply with Revised Statutes of Missouri, and applicable Ordinances and Codes of the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, except that it shall be unlawful for any person to possess, store, handle, or use, within the corporate limits of the City, the following Division 1.4G fireworks:

A. Rockets on a stick;

B. Missiles with fins or rudders for the purpose of achieving aerodynamic flight; and

C. Roman Candles, California Candles, Illuminating Torches, or similar items, with or without spikes, which contain wording on the caution label that is substantially similar to the following: “WARNING SHOOTS FLAMING BALLS” or “WARNING SHOOTS FLAMING BALLS AND REPORTS”; and single or multi-shot parachutes, with night effects.

The use of Class 1.4G fireworks within the City limits shall only be permitted on July 2nd and 3rd of each year between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and on July 4th of each year between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and Midnight.

It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, use, explode, detonate, aim, point or shoot fireworks including pyrotechnic devices, in such a manner that, after it is ignited, will propel it, or any part thereof, such that it, or any part thereof, lands on property not owned by the person shooting the fireworks.

It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, use, explode, detonate, or shoot fireworks within any structure.

It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, use, explode, detonate, or shoot fireworks within six hundred feet of any church, hospital, mental health facility, school, or within one hundred feet of any location where fireworks are stored, sold, or offered for sale.

No person shall use, explode, detonate, or shoot fireworks within, or throw the same from a motorized vehicle including watercraft or any other means of transportation, except where a display permit has been issued for a floating vessel or floating platform, nor shall any person place or throw any ignited firework into or at a motorized vehicle including watercraft or any other means of transportation, or at or near any person, group of people, or animal.

No person shall throw, use, explode, detonate, or shoot fireworks within three hundred feet of any permanent storage of ignitable liquid, gases, gasoline pump, gasoline filling station, or any nonpermanent structure where fireworks are stored, sold or offered for sale.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Lee’s Summit City Code to the contrary, the prohibitions of Chapter 17, Article IX, “Regulations Regarding Control of Noise and Sound” shall not be applicable to any lawful discharge of Class 1.4G fireworks authorized by the city.

Legal does not mean safe when it comes to fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were more injuries caused by sparklers than any other type of firework, so don’t let appearances fool you. In most cases the pyrotechnic materials in fireworks are burning at temperatures well above 1,000 degrees.

Use extreme caution when using any type of firework. Make sure that children are supervised at all times. Keep pets inside, or secured at a safe location outside. Discharge fireworks only on your own property, away from dry vegetation and structures, and have a bucket of water or a hose available in case of an emergency. Improper disposal of fireworks debris is the cause of several structure fires every year. Make sure that debris is placed in a metal container outside and not with the regular trash in the house or garage. Wet down the debris if you want to be sure it is out.

Along with the requirements of the ordinance, common sense and courtesy can make for a safe and happy 4th of July holiday. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the several professional displays in the area, such as the City and Parks and Recreation's Legacy Blast event at Legacy Park.

For more information on fireworks and fireworks safety, go to cityofls.net or call the Lee’s Summit Fire Department at (816) 969-1300.